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Some surprising results show that, as we age, over half of the cells in the esophagus accumulate thousands of mutations in their DNA, without actually becoming cancerous. Another important example of the importance of following a healthy lifestyle to prevent these microtumours from developing into mature cancers. Download the column

A recent study reports that the consumption of dietary fibers reduces infection by the influenza virus while diminishing the inflammation of respiratory tissue and increasing the antiviral immune response. Download the column

The incidence and mortality associated with colorectal cancer are steadily increasing amongst young adults. The results of a recent study indicate that one of the causes of this recent phenomenon is the increased levels of excess weight within this population. Download the column

According to a study recently published in the prestigious journal SCIENCE, physical exercise prevents the development of Alzheimer’s disease by favoring the production of new neurons within the hippocampus of the brain. Download the column

Numerous recent studies have shown that excess weight is associated with a significant increase in the risk for many serious diseases including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and several types of cancers. Download the column

The psychotropic effects of cannabis are due to a family of molecules called cannabinoids. Surprisingly, the brain produces its own cannabinoids, and the effects of cannabis on the brain are caused by the activation of an endogenous system (endocannabinoid) in most animals which evolved long before the appearance of the Cannabis sativa plant on earth. Download the column

Recent studies have shown that, following exposure to cigarette smoke, the cells of the respiratory tract respond to this oxidative stress by decreasing the effectiveness of antiviral defenses, which facilitates infection by the rhinoviruses responsible for colds. Download the column

CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS AND THE INTAKE OF FOOD. All living creatures, from the simplest bacteria to human beings, have evolved a way of coordinating their activities with the day-night cycle associated with the rotation of the Earth. These circadian rhythms govern not only our periods of waking and sleeping but also the way in which we absorb nutrition: for example during the night, when no food is being consumed, the liver synthesizes glucose and secretes it into the circulation, whereas during the day this system is silenced because sufficient quantities of sugar are provided by the diet. Download the column

The Nobel Prize for medicine and physiology was awarded last Monday to Drs. James Allison and Tasuku Honjo for their discoveries which led to the development of immunotherapy, a new anticancer strategy based on the destruction of tumors by stimulation of the immune system. Let’s take a look at the good and the less-good sides of this new class of therapeutic agents. Download the column